Magazine Archives

In the April 30, 2012 Issue

Piedmont

This corner of Northwest Italy is home to the sublime and ageworthy reds of Barolo and Barbaresco, as well as distinctive whites. We give you the latest buying advice for the exciting 2007 and 2006 vintages and profiles of leading vintners.

FREE Wine Charts:

Piedmont: A free chart offers an alphabetical list of all Piedmont wines reviewed for the tasting report in this issue.

Germany: A free chart offers an alphabetical list of all German wines reviewed for the tasting report in this issue.

Cover Story

Focus on Barbaresco - A small region that almost fell by the wayside is filled with prime vineyards that make elegant Nebbiolos

WineSpectator.com: More than 590 wines were reviewed for this report. A free alphabetical list is available. WineSpectator.com members can access complete reviews for all the wines tasted using the online Wine Ratings Search.

Features

Tasting Reports

West Coast Values - The best wines for $25 or less from California, Oregon and Washington

WineSpectator.com: Always on the hunt for a bargain? Browse our frequently updated lists of Top Values, high-scoring wines at great prices; Easy Finds, inexpensive, quality wines made in large quantities; and Wineries for Value, producers that have made the most values in their region.

WineSpectator.com: More than 490 wines were reviewed for this report. A free alphabetical list is available. WineSpectator.com members can access complete reviews for all the wines tasted using the online Wine Ratings Search.

Travel

Hidden Corsica - France’s island realm is home to a distinctive culture and cuisine that help support a thriving wine scene

People

The Wizard of Pixar - John Lasseter changed the world of animation with films such as Toy Story. In his spare time, he’s a serious winemaker in Sonoma Valley

Wine

Finding the Sweet Spot - Some vintners are seeking lower alcohol levels in their wines, pushing back against history and nature

Ripeness 101 - Knowing when grapes are ripe depends on science, experience and a little luck

WineSpectator.com: Name two key indicators of ripeness in a wine. Stumped? Take Sensory Evaluation at WineSpectator.com/school and get the most out of each sip. All online courses are free to site members.

NEW ON WINE SPECTATOR VIDEO Tune in each week for a new video. Don’t miss these recent additions about Oregon Pinot Noir:

He Said, She Said at Boedecker: Husband-and-wife team Stewart Boedecker and Athena Pappas agree that Pinot is the perfect grape. But when it comes to style, they go their separate ways. Join the fun as the couple talks winemaking—and relationships.

The Dundee Hills: For Pinot Noir grapes, this appellation is pretty close to heaven on earth. Argyle winemaker and Willamette Valley pioneer Rollin Soles explains the terroir and other insider details of winegrowing.

SENIOR EDITORS’ BLOGS Read about their latest discoveries in our tasting rooms. Check out exclusive wine notes and interviews from their travels. Get their take on hot topics in wine. Join the conversation with James Laube, James Molesworth, Bruce Sanderson and Harvey Steiman.